Seychelles,
an Island country spanning an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian
Ocean, around 932 miles east of mainland Africa has a total land area of
174 square miles and a population of 84,000. Seychelles is one of the
few countries with equable climate (although humidity is high). Tourism
is the major contributor to its economy supported by agriculture and
fishing. Fish, copra, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt are the chief exports.
The country is trying to diversify its economy into manufacturing and
as an offshore financial center. Sustainable tourism is its niche and
its intact natural environment has placed it among the world’s
preferred tourism destinations. Foreign investment is sought for
upgrading its facilities.

Travel Resources:

April/May
and October/November are the best time to visit Seychelles. The main
activities are diving, fishing, snorkeling, sailing, surfing, bird
watching and hiking. The country is lauded for its contribution in
protecting its flora and fauna. Several unique orchids, the marine life,
the Aldabra And Seychelles giant tortoises, and the large seabird
colonies are a testimony to this effort.

Best
Travel Guide to Seychelles. Great traveler’s introduction covering the
first 70 pages followed by chapters on Mahe, Praslin, La Digue, Other
Inner Islands, Outer Coralline Islands, and the Aldabra Group.

The first stamps of Seychelles were a set of twenty-one Queen Victoria (QV) key types released between 1890 and 1900. The set (Scott #1 to #21) catalogs for around $450 mint and around $420 used. Surcharge
overprints on this first set formed the primary stamp issues of
Seychelles during the period till 1902. Certain varieties of the
overprints along with surcharge errors including double and triple
surcharges are among the most valuable stamps from the period cataloging
upwards of $1K. Seychelles released a set of eleven stamps on May 26,
1903 that were King Edward VII (KEVII) key types. The set (Scott #38 to #48)
catalogs for around $130 mint and around $250 used. Surcharge
overprints on the KEVII key types continued through the period till 1912
when the first King George V (KGV) key types appeared. The set (Scott #63 to #73)
is also sought after cataloging in the $100 range for mint and around
$70 for used. A slightly different design of the KGV key type along with
several common design types formed the stamp issues of Seychelles
during the period till 1938. Great Britain assumed full control of the
area following the Treaty of Paris in 1814 from France. It became a
crown colony in 1903. The country gained full independence from the
United Kingdom on June 29, 1977.

Other issues of Seychelles enjoying good philatelic interest include:

A long set of twenty four stamps released between 1938 and 1941 showing King George VI (KGVI) and local scenes. The set (Scott #125 to #148)
catalogs for around $525 MNH and around $160 used. The designs show
KGVI along with Coco-de-mer Palm, Seychelles giant tortoise, and fishing
canoe in different colors and denominations. The Seychelles giant
tortoise populates many islands of the Seychelles and is the largest in
the world.

A long set of twenty stamps released between 1962 and 1969 showing Queen Elizabeth II (QEII) and local scenes. The set (Scott #198 to #212)
catalogs for around $45 MNH and around $40 used. The designs show black
parrot, vanilla, fisherman, Dennis Island lighthouse, clock tower,
Victoria, Anse Royal Bay, Government House, fishing boat, Cascade
Church, flying fox, sailfish, Coco-de-mer Palm, cinnamon, copra, Map of
Indian Ocean, Settler’s Homes, Regina Mundi Convent, and Badge of
Seychelles.

A set of eighteen stamps released between 1969 and 1972 in the History of Seychelles theme. The set (Scott #257 to #271)
catalogs for around $30 MNH and around $40 used. The designs show Lazar
Picault Landing in 1741, US Satellite Tracking Station, German Cruiser
Konigsberg at Aldabra in 1915, British fleet refueling in St. Anne,
Ashanti King Prempeh in Exile 1896, Stone of Possession Placed 1756,
Pirates, Corsairs, Jet and Airport, First Capitulation of the French to
the British of 1794, Battle between the sailing vessels Sybille and
Chiffone in 1801, Visit of Duke of Edinburgh in 1956, Chevalier Queau de
Quincy, Map of Indian Ocean, and Seychelles Coat of Arms.

A set of four stamps released on April 22, 1988 in the Green Turtles theme. The set (Scott #638 to #641)
catalogs for around $10 MNH or used. The designs show newly hatched
turtles headed toward ocean, offspring hatching, female emerging from
ocean, and female laying eggs in sand. The green turtles (Hawksbill)
nest in the Cousine Island in Seychelles and its status has been legally
protected in the islands from 1994. Other inner islands are feeding
grounds for immature green turtles.

A set of fourteen stamps released on March 1, 1993 in the Flora and Fauna theme. The set (Scott #739 to #752)
catalogs for around $45 MNH or used. The designs show brush warbler,
bronze gecko, Seychelles tree frog, Seychelles splendid palm, Seychelles
skink, giant tenebrionid beetle, Seychelles sunbird, Seychelles
killifish, magpie robin, Seychelles vanilla, tiger chamaleon,
Coco-de-mer, paradise flycatcher, and giant tortoise. Seychelles have
about 100 endemic plant species. Seychelles also has some of the largest
seabird colonies in the world. Marine life is also abundant with over
1000 species of fish recorded in the remote coral islands.

Numismatic Profile:

The
first coins of Seychelles were British Crown Colony Standard Coinage
(100 Cents = 1 Rupee) Silver Cents issued in 1939. The issues had
mintage well into the 10,000s but still catalogs for over $100 in UNC.
The first gold coins were 0.9994 troy ounce 20 Rupees Commemorative Gold
Proofs issued in 1983 to mark the fifth anniversary of Central Bank.
The issue has very low mintage (50) and trades at a sizable premium over
bullion value. The design shows arms with supporters in Obverse and
Turtle and Symbols of Commerce in Reverse. Seychelles has issued a
number of commemorative proofs over the years for the numismatic market.